🔎 Can These Two Juniors Solve North America’s Niobium Problem?

Welcome, Investors!

As geopolitical urgency drives North America’s push to secure its own supply of critical minerals, niobium has emerged as a dark horse contender—vital for clean energy, defense systems, and next-gen infrastructure.

Two small-cap companies are stepping up:

NioCorp Developments $NIOBF ( ▼ 1.51% ) 
Market cap: ~$106M
A U.S.-based developer advancing the Elk Creek Project in Nebraska, targeting niobium, scandium, titanium, and potential rare earth elements.

Nio Strategic Metals Inc. $NIOCF ( 0.0% ) 
Market cap: ~$3M
A Canadian explorer focused on reviving Québec’s historic Oka Niobium Project, with additional interests in iron and uranium.

Each is charting a path to supply niobium domestically—and possibly redefine North America's critical metals map in the process.

But can they deliver?

Here’s a breakdown of both players—and why they’re worth watching.

Matthias Schneider
Editor at Analytica Investor

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Featured Content

📈 Niobium Demand Outlook: A Market Set to Surge

According to Mordor Intelligence, the global niobium market is projected to grow from 117.45 kilotons in 2025 to 188.47 kilotons by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.92% over the period.

This acceleration underscores the metal’s growing strategic importance in advanced steel, aerospace, electronics, and especially clean energy systems like EVs and wind turbines.

Yet the supply side remains starkly concentrated:

• Brazil controls over 90% of global production.

• The United States imports 100% of its niobium needs.

With no current domestic production, the emergence of NioCorp Developments and Nio Strategic Metals is not just a commercial play—but a geopolitical and industrial necessity.

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Featured Content

NioCorp Developments – The Bold U.S. Bid

✅ Institutional Financing Pathway Emerging

On May 16th, NioCorp received a $200 million preliminary Expression of Interest from UK Export Finance (UKEF) to support the construction of its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska. This non-binding milestone underscores global recognition of the project’s strategic importance and complements NioCorp’s broader financing strategy, which also includes support discussions with EXIM (U.S.) and Germany’s Untied Loan Guarantee Program.

✅ Critical Mineral Trifecta

Elk Creek is among the world’s only advanced-stage projects capable of producing niobium, scandium, and titanium—all three of which are listed as critical minerals by the U.S. government. This positions NioCorp as a cornerstone for domestic supply chain security in aerospace, defense, and green tech manufacturing.

📉 Risks & Challenges

• High capital intensity remains a major hurdle: Elk Creek requires over $1 billion in total capex.

• The UKEF guarantee is non-binding and subject to execution of offtake agreements with UK-based customers.

• Final funding depends on a multi-party financing structure that involves complex coordination and diligence.

• While feasibility and permitting are complete, production remains years away without near-term financing closure.

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Featured Content

Nio Strategic Metals – A Clean Slate in Canada

✅ Debt-Free as of May 2025

On May 20th, Nio Strategic announced the completion of a debt conversion agreement that eliminated its entire long-term debt and settled director compensation obligations. The company issued 11 million shares at $0.045, preserving cash and significantly improving its balance sheet ahead of potential project reactivation at the Oka Niobium site.

✅ Brownfield Advantage at the Oka Project

Located in Québec, the historic Oka niobium mine was previously operated by Teck and features existing infrastructure and legacy development work. This brownfield profile offers potential regulatory and cost advantages versus new greenfield assets, making it a candidate for streamlined reactivation.

📉 Risks & Challenges

• Still early stage with no current feasibility study or updated technical reports

• Limited news flow and market visibility may reduce investor engagement and valuation

• High insider ownership (~46%), while showing alignment, may constrain liquidity and raise governance considerations for institutional buyers

• The company remains reliant on equity-based financing amid a tough capital-raising environment for juniors

Featured Content

The Big Picture: Two Paths, One Urgency

👉 With two very different approaches to unlocking niobium supply, which strategy will gain traction first—and where does the real opportunity lie?

That’s it for this episode!

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Investor Insights Systems does not provide financial advice—please consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.